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PAL@YWG · Last edited by PAL@YWG on Tue Feb 18, 2014 7:32 am; edited 4 times in total

Welcome to the Part 2 of my Round the World trip. This will cover the following flights:

Courtesy: Great Circle Mapper

After spending a longish day in and around Athens, I came back to Syntagma square. I ordered souvlaki and mint tea and grabbed seat out in the open to have a glimpse of burstling evening activities in and around the square. Though daytime temperature was quite warm and nice, with the sunset I started to feel the chill in my light jacket. I had to carefully plan my winter attire for the whole journey. Athens is the coldest place in my whole itinerary, so once I am out of this place, I even don’t need a jacket until I come back to Winnipeg. So I had a sleeveless jacket as an inner layer which also safely kept my credit cards, cash, passport & copy of tickets. Idea was, where I don’t need the Jacket, I just peel it off and put it in my backpack. Since I was traveling alone I needed to do little more planning on every front.

Anyway when I landed in Singapore to a welcoming 30+ degrees, even my half jacket was too much of a burden. People all around are in shorts and t-shirts, here I am in my sweat-soaked jeans, full sleeve shirt and a half jacket on top of that! And my shoe is a slip-resistant, weather hardened, -40 degree compatible, 2-kg/piece foot wrapping that is also known as winter shoes in Canada. In Singapore’s excellent metro network, my shoe got quite a bit of attention, I must say!

When we finally met, I hope Srinivas (sri_bom) understood that I was not trying to make a fashion statement in chic Singapore Smile

; I was just an odd tourist who was in the midst of a hurried “plane hopping and sightseeing” routine!

Well, back to Athens hotel room. My wi-fi is not working; I desperately need to access internet. Isn’t this hotel proudly claimed that each room has wi-fi access? I went to the lobby area and got connected. My first email is from Singapore airlines informing that my ZRH-SIN flight is delayed by 3.5 hours due to late arrival blah blah. But it’s a valuable piece of information. I sent a short email to Srinivas that I will send him a text message once I land in SIN. Got a quick reply from him wishing me a safe flight. I asked the receptionist whether I have to pre-order a taxi for early morning ride to airport, she pointed her finger to the waiting area just outside the gate, “there is always taxi available, you can even get a better deal being early morning’ she said.

I set my phone alarm at 3.30am and went for a quick nap.

Date: December 9, 2013
ATH- ZRH
Airline: Swiss Airlines
Flight#: LX1843
Equip: A320
Seat: 11B
Departs: 0630
Arrives: 0825

By 4.15am, I am already inside the terminal. Being so early, I found it’s almost empty. So I embark upon exploring the terminal. Upstairs I find a nice little area having a photographic display of the ATH’s evolution and landmarks.

Unique guests who visited ATH

At this hour this little museum as closed.

Food court area upstairs, though mostly shut at this hour, but has a good variety of outlets to choose from. McDonalds being open, I had a quick MacBreakfast. How many times in my life I cursed MacDonald’s being the cause for obesity and thus directly responsible for being a drain on health care, but I must say the same MacDonald’s came as a savior when I glimpsed a view of the “Golden Arch” in an unknown city, be it Budapest, Moscow or Yalta! Next thing is who (kids & grown up alike) can run faster and savor a Big Mac meal. Rest of the day generally goes pretty smoothly. “Kids, would you mind if we quickly visit this museum, they have a sword used by Napoleon on display?” “No problem Dad, take your time!” Very Happy

Check in counters gradually opened for the first set of morning flights. This will be my first flight with Swiss. Mixed emotions, how many times I tried to fly on Swissair during my Lagos days on their superior LOS-ZRH-BOM/DEL service. But every time I missed them due to some reason or other. Then SR111 happened and the once mighty airline ceased operation.

I was first to check in. The cheerful guy at the counter offered me to check in my hand bag (famous backpack) as a 2nd piece check in bag at no extra cost till SIN. I politely declined. I requested for aisle seat both flights. While ATH-ZRH was available but for ZRH-SIN, he said “Sir, you have a new seat #, it’s now 61C instead of 76E.I am sorry.” Soon, I discovered that there was an aircraft change; I will not be sitting on the upper deck rather on the lower deck. SQ has two seat configurations available on their A380s, due to some reason they are sending the other type to ZRH today.

While booking the rewards ticket, I could have booked ATH- IST-SIN and curtail few hours of flying but in that case IST-SIN would have been a 772 not 388, so I am doing a little backtracking but I am more than happy to do it.

Flight was about 80% full, I couldn’t get a sense whether majority is connecting to somewhere else or they are O&D.

I was the first one to reach to the holding area

Captain did a brief intro about the flight, star alliance and encouraged us to enjoy the view of Alps on a very clear day.

Small but tasty Muffin

That's the best shot I could get of Alps!

A long haul Swiss flight would have been appropriate to judge the level of service, IFE etc but even this 2.5 hours intra-EU flight was definitely up to the mark.

First time in Zurich airport for me and because my ZRH-SIN flight got delayed by about 3 hours, I had plenty time to kill.

Date: December 9, 2013
ZRH- SIN
Airline: Singapore Airlines
Flight#: SQ345
Equip: A380-800
Seat: 61C
Departs: 1045
Arrives: 0600+1

Finally a gate number got assigned for our flight and passengers started gathering around the holding area. I found that all A380 departure gates are located at one corner of the terminal. All Economy passengers were directed to go to a lower level departure gates where as Business/First class were boarding from a higher level gate. So when I was boarding, I could see people boarding the same aircraft from a gate higher up, interesting!

Lousy shot but that's first glimpse of my A388

Since the time I booked this flight, I was wondering why SQ sends an A380 to ZRH and how they fill this aircraft day after day. What could be the possible passenger profile? So when I got to see that first hand, I found most of them are Australia/NZ bound but there was a significant section who were disembarking at SIN and rest comprised of little bit from rest of S/E Asia. It’s Star alliance’s network strength at display here, I thought.

So, here is my first SQ flight that too a 388, couldn’t thank Aeroplan enough to give me this opportunity based on the points that I collected mostly buying hardware items for my basement suite that I was building. Stuff that I would have bought anyway using some other card (if I was not getting Aeroplan points) and here I am waiting to embark on a 13.5 hours journey with SQ and keeping a keen eye on every aspect of legendary service that made SQ a world class airline. An airline from an island-state not so strategically located as DXB or AUH, became the industry standard by sheer leadership and innovation in every aspect of commercial aviation and thus making SIN a mega hub.

When established Legacy carriers on one front are dealing with the LCC model which is gaining strength day by day and on the other front the ever expansive MEB3 with their unique geographical location and cost advantage putting bottom line of these Legacy carriers under stress, I look forward to airlines like SQ to show the others (BA/LH/AF/DL/UAs of the world) the ways and means to hold their ground and still deliver quality product.

From the holding area I could see the departing FAs from the incoming SIN-ZRH flight are quickly having an impromptu meeting where the leader of the pack was explaining to others something very intensively and rest were nodding their heads. Interesting, I guess when you carry 500+ passengers for 13 plus hours a lot of coordination and synchronization happen behind the scene to deliver us, the passengers, a smooth superior product.

My first impression once inside the aircraft is wow! It’s a huge aircraft. My seat is at the rear, after 2 rows there is the staircase that goes to the upper floor. There are 2 or 3 toilets by the side of the staircase. There is ample space in front of those toilets and the staircase. During the flight that area became a popular place for a little chit-chat amongst passengers. I even did a few push ups holding the railings of the staircase!

I wanted to go to the upper deck and have a look but a polite FA stopped me but promised that at an opportune time he will take me to upper deck. He noted down my seat number. Impressive.

I could only go this far to see the upper deck

My seat allowed me to watch the huge wings and its flaps in action when the plane started rolling till the time it lifted off the ground. It’s something!

Captain May was in command who took quite a bit of time to do the intro explaining the flight path, weather en route and estimated arrival time and of course apologizing for the delay. We took off and after the usual maneuvering which unlike other times, I was enjoying every moment like a kid, we leveled off. The moment seat belt signs were off, the FAs sprung into action. First came the hot towel service. Then came the menu card. When was the last time I was given a menu card in an airplane? Was it on an EK LHR-DXB run in 2007? Was it even earlier on a VS flight doing MIA-LHR around 2005?

A quick visit to the loo

Today’s flight is super smooth so far and we are flying over India, not even a trace of turbulence. So I asked a FA, is 388 less prone to turbulence because of its sheer size, weight and technology? The guy told me some spots like over bay of Bengal is turbulence prone and being even 388 doesn’t help. May be this FA knew what was coming, in no time we entered an hour long of mild turbulence no sooner we left coastal areas of Orissa.

CCU in sight, let me get off Smile

Breakfast

Soon we were making our way towards Singapore. This was 13.5 hours long flight but for the first time for such a long flight I never for a moment felt that I was bored. I checked out the impressive IFE, watched two Hindi movies, listened to Bollywood classics from 70s & 80s. In between whenever I felt I need something to munch on, I could grab a sandwich or a drink at free will. The legendary Singapore girls (let me include the boys too) look very motivated and whatever they did they did with a genuine smile. Remember the FA who promised me to take to upper deck? He came to my seat just about an hour before our landing and said that he came to take me for a tour but found me sleeping and decided not to wake me up. I was impressed. SQ met and exceeded my expectations.

Just before landing came the bone chilling announcement “Singapore applies death penalty to Drug traffickers”. Well I have scrutinized my bags in Winnipeg pretty well but Canada and US becoming more and more lax with Marijuana, I can’t guarantee that baggage handlers en route were all clean! What if they find some traces!

First thing after landing I did was to send a text message to Srinivas. After few exchanges, we decided to meet at China Town metro station for a quick lunch. I have about 10 hours in Singapore to get a feel about this great city-state.

Our aircraft at the gate

Immigration was quick, next thing was to keep my 2 pieces of luggage at a left luggage facility. Found one in terminal 3 but the kind lady there when I told her that I will be departing from Terminal 1, she suggested that I drop my bag off in Terminal 1 instead. I liked the advice and headed towards Terminal 1. The Indian origin guy there advised me that I should avoid Little India area today. Then he briefly mentioned about the riot that took place last night between authorities and migrant workers.

First look at the lush green outside

Terminal 3 to Terminal 1 transfer. Dhobi Ghaut? sounds familiar

It took a little time for me to figure out which stations I should get down to see few well known landmarks of Singapore.

Hope no one is going to get lashing for this Very Happy

Shoppers paradise indeed!

There must be a story behind this. Pony tail guy resembles Canadian native

Srinivas & I met outside China Town metro station and walked to a Chinese open food court for a quick lunch. The place was bustling with lunch time madness, we somehow found two empty chairs and concentrated on our respective choices.

Old touch!
Time flew by, my time in Singapore was short this time, I thanked Srinivas for his time and promised next trip will definitely be longer and we will spend more time together.

continued...
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Tally Sheet:
41 Countries ||55 Aircraft types ||60 Airlines ||75 Airports

PAL@YWG · Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2014 9:11 am Post subject:

Date: December 10, 2013
SIN- DMK
Airline: Thai AirAsia
Flight#: FD 2936
Equip: A320
Seat: 18C
Departs: 1710
Arrives: 1835

I collected my bags from left luggage and went to check in counters. The guy there looked at my ticket and got curious. He said this is the first time he saw some one is connected thru DMK to reach CCU. He said it’s always thru KUL. That made me little nervous, “are you sure my bag will reach CCU?” He assured that there will be no problem. He printed my boarding passes on thermal paper and tagged my luggage till CCU.

Rate our service on the spot- Very innovative and effective!

Terminal 1 mostly catering to LCCs

Air Asia check-in counters

Guests that evening

Load was pretty good, I found quite a few westerner returning to Thailand with their Thai wife and kids. So far I was pleasantly surprised by Air Asia’s check in and gate personnel and was eager to see how they perform in-flight.

Our aircraft at the gate

FAs look very professional with mostly Thai, Indonesian & Malaysian origin though the Captain introduced himself as only “Pradeep”.
Once we took off, FAs came with the pre-ordered meals and then items for sale. I got my pre-ordered blanket bag with some other goodies tucked inside.
Inside the aircraft anyone wanted to upgrade to a better seat (with red coverings) could do so by paying the extra fee.

Notice the inflight Magazine, I didn't collect thinking I can pick up from my CCU-KUL flight later on. Never found them again Very Happy

Notice the red capped seats, those are up for grabs at a premium in-flight

In no time we landed in DMK (aka old BKK). After completing six flight and coming closest to CCU, I started smelling India. This is a feeling I always have when I reach last leg of my journey before reaching CCU. Faces of dear ones whom I left almost 25 years ago become vivid.

Date: December 10, 2013
DMK-CCU
Airline: Thai AirAsia
Flight#: FD 2671
Equip: A320
Seat: 15C
Departs: 2255
Arrives: 0015+1

I recognized this area though I visited DMK (then BKK) at least 5 years back

Die-hard Thai Monarchy fan, I guess

On this forum whenever some airline added flights on CCU-BKK sector we reacted with utter surprise “how these flights are surviving after all”. TG had daily 333, 9W had twice daily, 6E daily and this Thai Air Asia. Did I miss some?
The majority of the crowd is tourist, then there is a sizable group of “Couriers” who bring anything and everything that can be sold in India with a good margin. This group is “Rowdy Rathore” type, they don’t care about anything. They will dress up most funny way just to put as many lairs as possible, new watches, expensive shoes and sunglasses and most importantly a foot-long gold bar thru their rectums!

I am having a group where one member is hurling choicest “Bhojpuri gaali" while talking to someone in India complaining about some valuable items he is not bringing home because the contact in Bangkok messed up at the last moment. There were some decent families seating near him in holding area who are visibly feeling embarrassed!

Slowing arriving at the holding area after one more scrutiny of hand luggage!

Once inside the aircraft, the same guy was at the receiving end, the gang leader had some choicest word for the guy for not being able to fulfill his quota.

I got my Nasi Lemak with a small pack of water. My first time trying Malaysian cuisine and I liked it. Hot like Indian dishes and spicy! I wanted this to kick start my taste buds that are in a deep sleep mode with regular doses of sandwiches and burgers during last few days! Hey, get ready for “Hilsa in mustard sauce” treat soon! Smile

I landed in the new CCU terminal!

Huge facility but empty as usual!

Just in front of the Passport Control. That nights arrival list- says a lot about the airport and the city's economic health!

Thanks for reading this long TR!
Last part of my RTW TR will cover CCU-DEL-CCU-KUL-SIN-NRT-ORD-YWG
Stay tuned!
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Tally Sheet:
41 Countries ||55 Aircraft types ||60 Airlines ||75 Airports

sumantra · Member Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi

Long TR, Mr. Pal? Lovely TRs can never be considered `too' long, they will always leave us hankering more from the intrepid exotic traveller, whom we are lucky to have on this forum!
Thank you for yet another lovely TR. My comments, in the usual point form.
- Your meticulous planning is incredible! The details about the jacket just cut it: I really wish I could do it all like you.
- The Basler turboprop conversion DC-3 pictured right under the only civilian C-17, the Qatar one: isn't this a Canadian bird? Isn't the registration number C-FTGI, belonging to Bell Geospace Aviation, did it not have a globe on the tail?
- As usual, a collection of exotic locales, nice aircraft, good food, and above all, nice pictures!
- Your quest for FFP points rings quite a bell for me. Only that it is even more creditable for a senior person with all family members being adults, to be able to pursue his aviation passion with a zest that can only be matched by a 6 year old's sheer unbridled excitement of flying. Great Sir, this is an inspiration for all of us.
- This would perhaps be the first A388 TR without pictures from the tail camera on the screen in front of the TR writer!
- It is really wonderful that you got to meet another AI.netter, that too, a great TR writer, Srinivas, in an exotic locale!
- Some of the sights of Singapore look familiar, except for the Marina Bay Sands. It was not there in 2002/4.
- The food court at China Town metro station: you picked out the Singaporean delicacy, Hainanese Chicken!
- Your feeling on the last leg of a trip feels very familiar to many of us.
- I will hopefully shed some of my laziness and key in a few more TRs, one of them will complement your CCU T2 pictures. I saw it landing up on AI 20, an international connector.
Thanks once again, Sir, and look forward to Part 3 with renewed vigour!
Cheers, Sumantra.

sabya99 · Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2014 11:01 pm Post subject:

Mr.Pal thanks for another round ( 2) of nice photo journalism. I enjoyed every line of it. As usual NSCBI airport looks empty at mid night compared to other desi airports. But at least they got a modern terminal which lacks internal decoration. It will serve Kolkata folks many decades to come. May be this terminal will reach saturation point by next century! Last May when I was traveling out of Kolkata I noticed domestic area very crowded say around 4.00PM but international area not so. May be the area is huge ,it takes lot more people to look it crowded. Thanks for the internal picture of the new terminal.
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Sabya99

PAL@YWG · Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2014 12:00 am Post subject:

sabya99 · Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2014 12:34 am Post subject:

PAL@YWG · Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2014 12:51 am Post subject:

Sumantra, as usual many thanks for your encouraging words!

sri_bom · Member Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 2365 Location: Singapore

Thank you for posting the much awaited part 2 of your trip report. I am glad you could manage to get a ride on A380 using your Aeroplan.

SQ is still holding on to its turf but their yeild and margins are eroding so it will be interesting time ahead for them. I am sure if they conitnue doing good customer serivce like what they did by taking you around they will always have loyal passengers.

Singapore keeps innovating so the landscape keeps changing every three years. They are already planning to build terminal 4 and 5 in the next 5 years along with a 3rd runway.

Once again it was a pleasure meeting you and look forward to more such encounters.

Sri_Bom

PAL@YWG · Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2014 1:45 am Post subject:

PAL@YWG · Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2014 1:53 am Post subject:

sabya99 · Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2014 8:54 pm Post subject:

Karan69 · Member Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 1334

Lovely report Pal,

SQ is by far my favourite carrier, and your report only proves my point, they tend to go that extra mile and will provide services in Y class that would put J class service of some legacy carriers to shame,

Meeting a local is always fun and that too when that local is Srinivas

the statement God is in the details come to my mind for both your TR and the SQ experience

@Srinivas..

SQ do seem to charge a premium on any given route they operate would that be one of the reasons they might end up loosing to the likes of MH AI or is the VFR crowd not really their market?

Karan

PAL@YWG · Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2014 12:28 am Post subject:

sri_bom · Member Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 2365 Location: Singapore

stealthpilot · Member Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 2325 Location: BLR, DXB

All the details and observations = great great part 2!
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eP007

jbalonso777 · Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2014 8:23 pm Post subject:

What a stunning TR this has turned out to be!
Thank you ever so much for this fantastic write up!
The close up of the A380 fuselage in SIN - now that really makes me want to fly in that, soon!

Regards
Jish